Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Oh baby...

Earlier today Flintknits noted that an internet cretin had found her blog by typing into Google something to do with '69' and left some scabrous remarks. She ended up deleting the post because of the creep-factor . She obviously didn't want that kind of attention. Several months ago Très chic Véronique observed that people who are referred to her blog are only ever done so by typing in 'Véronique' and that she rarely gets odd-ball referrals . I've had several hilarious Google searches done that have resulted in people being referred to my blog: apparently if you search for "large thighs ice skating" and "pathological hording", you get me. Both are so, well, apt.

Many bloggers are on a massive sock kick right now, and after receiving today's STR shipment I may not be far behind. Somehow this month's pattern is much more inspiring than last month's penis socks, so I am optimistic. But I am still riding the wave of baby knitting, and I don't plan on coming ashore anytime soon. Latest FO for a tiny tot: Baby's First Aran Sweater (from the Bloom leaflet) in Nashua Creative Focus. Now, I know you want one last look at the adorable little laddie on the cover, so here's the money shot to end all money shots:

And now for the sweater itself:

I am very pleased with this garment and am bursting with excitement to give it to my friend. She was the recipient of the last baby sweater, so I don't want her to be weirded out by another baby sweater so quickly--I'm trying not to appear all Jennifer Jason Leigh in 'Single White Female', so maybe I'll wait. But this friend is one of the top 5 people in my life right now, so I think we're beyond the whole 'is-she-stalking-me?' anxiety. I love the baby sweater thing because it affords you the experience of a whole microcosm of knitting. I'm so into it that I will be momentarily be casting on another sweater for a grad student who is having a baby in September. Is that weird?

When non-knitters receive our gifts they are so very grateful and at times stunned at our supposed generosity. Most people are incredibly pleased and thrilled to receive a hand knit gift. Yet I can't help feeling that there is more than a little self-interest in there as well, as they are providing us with an excuse to exercise our craft. I mean, I'm knitting it for them, but for me as well. ( Must make frequent f.o. sacrifice at the blog altar, after all...). Thinking about this business of receiving hand knits, I'm curious. Has someone ever reacted in an unexpected way to a gift that you have knit?

Gift giving can always be tricky. I have had people think I was coming on too strong when I gift hand-made stuff, where as other people appreciate it for what it is. Some people use the gifts, others never wear them. *shrugs* At the end of the day, it allows you to indulge in your hobby and to give someone something sweet. I'm sure it'll be fine :)

I knit some wool boot socks for my college boyfriend - high ones to go past the tops of the boots. He was an avid skier and outdoorsman. They took me forever to knit. He opened the package and laughed and said, "Okay, what did you really get me?"

My philosophy is: As long as it is washable, give, give, give. But only another knitter/yarn snob will appreciate it if you knit something out of a special yarn that might require hand washing. Unless the non-knitter is a compulsive launderer who follows washing instructions, separates colours and lays-flat-to-dry.

The aran cardigan you knit up. It is beautiful, and a very fun colour.

I love the sweater. It looks so cute! I'm so selfish that I hardly give away hand-knits. I used to give out a lot of baby hats and booties, but then I quickly discovered that my humble hand-knits were put aside for, oh, Ralph Lauren Baby or something else. So now I just pick and choose my recipients very carefully.

I love the baby sweater! It is gorgeous - and I know it will be appreciated by the recipient.

You'll get so many different kinds of responses from gifts of knitting - and I totally agree that some of it is selfish - it's just so fun to knit baby things...but most non-knitters don't realize that

I love the sweater, great pattern, fun color. Knitted gift giving is tough. I went made doing it at first, but now there are only a select few that will receive from me. I've discovered that I (and Mr. B) are the most appreciative recipients.

That sweater is gorgeous! Gift it immediately--we want to see it on the cute baby! I'm still in SSH (seed stitch hell) with the sleeves on my baby's first aran. Gotta finish - you put me to shame. Time to put down the socks and just finish it.

That sweater is so gorgeous... anyone who does not appreciate the meticulous effort put into it is insane! Although, if your non-knitting friends are anything like my non-knitting friends they'll probably just be in shock that you actually made it. It's just so beautiful.

The only semi-weird response I've ever gotten was from my dad... I made him a hat for his birthday and he said "Oh, I can wear that!" Which is my dad's way of saying that he likes it. I think...

The baby, hat, and sweater are ADORABLE!! Great job..As for giving hand knits to non knitters.. I have had a few that just say thanks and didnt really seem to appreciate the time and effort..(they get scratched off my knit list) then I have the ones that gush or just absolutely adore it and will use it! those are the ones I knit for..

great, great sweater. the only unexpected reaction i really got was from my boyfriend's mom. i made a pretty basic scarf out of chenille yarn when i met her, only to learn that she's a FABULOUS knitter and i looked like a fool. she was gracious, but i was pretty pissed at the boyfriend.

Sometimes when I look at the stats of my blog and see with what kind of search words and -phrases people use and then get to my blog, I'm seriously wondering if they're all totally nuts out there? Perhaps brain-amputated? Or something even worse? It's scary at times, really... And it's also scary to see what kind of stuff I'm obviously writing to draw these "searchers" here in the first place! Aaarghhh...But hey, the sweater you did is absolutely amazing - what an awesome pattern, and gosh, that color rocks big time, so happy and cheerful! Great work!

Emerging from an unplanned blog-break here, so sorry this comment comes so late, but:

What a great baby sweater!

For me, knitting for others is in large part a selfish justification for buying more yarn, even though my yarn closet is already bursting at the seams. I also enjoy the blush of pride when someone gushes over a hand-knit gift. Shallow, I know.